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Clinical Symptoms of Bone Spurs

Back pain or neck pain is very common as the facet joints are inflamed and the neck and back muscles become irritated. Typical symptoms reported by patients include:

Dull pain in the neck or lower back when standing or walking

Radiating pain into the shoulders (often including headaches) if the cervical spine is affected (See Cervical Bone Spurs)

Radiating pain into the rear and thigh if the lumbar spine is affected.

The symptoms of bone spurs are made worse with activity and often improve with rest. Typical symptoms of lumbar bone spurs often improve when an individual is bending forward and flexing at the waist, such as leaning over a shopping cart or over a cane.

Symptoms described above can also be caused by medical conditions other than bone spurs, including but not limited to diabetes, poor blood circulation to the arms and legs, spinal tumors, fractures, and spinal infections.

Many of the symptoms of bone spurs are similar to generalized arthritis, rheumatism, back strain and muscle fatigue, as well as acute disc ruptures with nerve compression.

Because typical bone spur symptoms are often similar to many other possible conditions, it is important for the patient to consult with appropriate medical professionals to obtain a thorough and accurate diagnosis.

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